Best Colleges in Nebraska – 2024

Academic Highlights: As one of only 28 Jesuit universities in the nation, Creighton University offers students more than 60 distinct majors across 22 fields of study within a values-driven learning environment. The university’s exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention, with half of all class sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Creighton’s commitment to hands-on learning shines through its robust experiential programs; an impressive 83% of undergraduates participate in internships, research projects, or other applied learning opportunities. This combination of intimate classroom settings and practical experience prepares students to think critically and engage meaningfully with complex real-world challenges.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 achieved outstanding post-graduation success, with 68% securing employment, 27% enrolling in graduate programs, and just 1% still seeking opportunities six months after commencement. Graduates reported a strong median starting salary of $61,000, with many joining prestigious organizations including CHI Health, KPMG, Deloitte, Mayo Clinic, and Nebraska Medicine. These outcomes reflect both the quality of Creighton’s academic programs and the strong professional network cultivated by the university’s career services and engaged alumni community.

Academic Highlights: There are more than 100 majors at the University of Nebraska and students enjoy a mix of smaller classes (47% have fewer than 20 students) and larger ones (20% have more than 50). The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers robust undergraduate research opportunities across all majors through programs like UCARE, which funds student-led projects under faculty mentorship, and FYRE, designed to introduce first-year students to research

Professional Outcomes: Businesses employing more than 100 graduates each include Mutual of Omaha, Kiewit, Fiserv, Union Pacific Railroad, Olsson, and Hudl. Median pay for graduates early in their career is $64,900 and most Cornhuskers remain in Nebraska post-graduation, settling in Lincoln and Omaha.

Academic Highlights: UNO stands out as an academic innovator, housing the world’s largest community engagement library with over 10,000 scholarly volumes—a testament to its commitment to applied knowledge. Across its six colleges offering 200+ programs, students benefit from a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and personalized learning environments (42% of classes under 20 students). The university champions hands-on discovery through initiatives like the FUSE Grant program, which funds faculty-mentored undergraduate research, blending theoretical study with practical application.

Professional Outcomes: UNO graduates form the backbone of Nebraska’s professional workforce, with most building careers in the thriving Omaha metropolitan area. They lead at top regional employers, including Union Pacific Railroad, Nebraska Medicine, Mutual of Omaha, and UN Medical Center, while many contribute to UNO’s own academic mission. The university’s strong emphasis on community engagement and research preparation ensures graduates are equipped to drive innovation in their fields.

Academic Highlights: Union Adventist University provides a distinctive Christian liberal arts education that blends academic rigor with hands-on learning experiences. With an exceptionally low 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class sizes of just 10 students, the university fosters close mentorship and active classroom engagement. Students choose from more than 50 majors, minors, and emphases, and the Adventist Colleges Abroad program offers unique cultural immersion opportunities, complementing the diverse campus community that includes students from 43 U.S. states and 19 countries. This global perspective, combined with the university’s emphasis on practical application of knowledge, prepares students for meaningful careers and service.

Program Outcomes: Union Adventist graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with 73% gaining valuable professional experience through internships, practicums, or preceptorships during their studies. Alumni frequently secure positions with leading healthcare providers, including AdventHealth, Bryan Health, Adventist Health, and the Mayo Clinic, as well as opportunities at the university itself. Most graduates choose to remain in the Lincoln, Nebraska metropolitan area, where they contribute to the local community while earning median salaries of $55,045. The university’s combination of faith-based values and career-focused preparation equips students for both professional success and service-oriented leadership.

Academic Highlights: Hastings College delivers an exceptionally personalized education through its 40+ majors and pre-professional programs, featuring an intimate 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 13 students. With 66% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, the college fosters close mentorship and engaged learning. This tight-knit academic community attracts students from 31 states and 26 countries, while global perspectives are enhanced through study abroad opportunities across six continents, from England to Peru to Thailand.

Professional Outcomes: Hastings graduates achieve outstanding career outcomes, boasting a 97% success rate, with most building their careers in Nebraska. Alumni make significant contributions to the Omaha metropolitan area and Hastings community through positions at respected institutions like Mary Lanning Healthcare, Lincoln Public Schools, and the University of Nebraska. These strong regional outcomes reflect Hastings’ commitment to developing skilled professionals who strengthen Nebraska’s various sectors while maintaining the college’s deep connections to local communities.